Yes Celeste! Thank you for asking. Actually, I call this part the 'taste' test.The art,(a portrait) will have the corner samples set next to to. Carefully viewing to see what "fits" best. It is surprizing some times, because things that you may assume to be the choice isn't, or vise-versa! The word gilt is improper in this applcation.Gilt: Immatation. Gild: Real gold!Gilt is usually a cream, or paint. I hope Dave will be in today so I can continueif not I have a plan B. Thank you, and everyone as I attempt to take you through this process. Hold on to your hat!

I'm going to need that coffee, Bill, to absorb all the details. One pesky question from the annoying kid in the back of the room: could a store bought, ready-made gesso be used, just to jump-start this process?

Hi Judy! The store bought, or ready made gessois a different type. It is for priming canvas, or masonite.It would not work in this process,(Water gilding) however,if we were surface gilding, or oil gilding, you could.(But I still would not.) I prefer the rabbit skin glue gesso.